Golden Apple returns to honour educators
Golden Apple winners from 2013 ceremony
(CNS Local Life): After an absence of five years, the Golden Apple Awards, which recognises outstanding public and private school educators, is returning, with a ceremony set for Saturday, 26 May. The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, introduced the awards in 2007, with the event running every year until 2013. Now, with education a key focus of the chamber’s advocacy agenda, the event has returned, stated a press release from the organisation.
“It’s very important that we acknowledge excellence among our educators and the outstanding work they do,” said chamber president Paul Byles. “In addition to addressing the longer term policy issues to continuously improve our education framework, it’s also important that as a country we recognise the hard work and commitment of educators in helping our children to develop into the leaders of tomorrow.”
Byles said that the chamber wants to “acknowledge those in the community who aren’t praised enough”.
He added, “We received tremendous sponsorship support from the business community at our previous events and I am confident that they will rally behind this year’s Golden Apple awards again to demonstrate their support for our educators.”
Minister for Education Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said she was delighted that the programme was returning, stated the release. “It is important that, as a community, we ensure that the teaching profession is appreciated and valued,” she said.
“The Golden Apple Awards programme is an established and respected means of recognition that will help promote the value of this most noble career. I thank the Chamber of Commerce for championing this programme, and I am happy to pledge the Ministry of Education’s support for this worthwhile initiative.”
Nominees must be full-time educators or principals currently working in a public or private school. There are five different nomination categories:
- Primary school teacher (public school)
- Primary school teacher (private school)
- High school teacher (public school)
- High school teacher (private school)
- Principal (public or private school)
Parents, students, graduates, fellow teachers and members of the public may submit nominations until 23 March for the awards, which will be announced at the ceremony taking place at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Nomination forms will be available at all schools and on the Chamber of Commerce website. Physical forms can be requested by emailing the chamber or can be collected from the chamber’s offices in Governors Square between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Businesses or organisations interested in helping to support the awards can call 743-9129 or email the chamber.
Category: Education, High School, Primary School, Schools
